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Speaker: Lukus Counterman - The Holy Spirit imparts spiritual blessings to believers, marking them as belonging to God and assuring them of their future with him. That is what we discover in Ephesians 1:11-14, the final ...

Sermon Audio

Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Here in our text this morning, the author of Hebrews shows us how the Patriarchs rested in complete dependence on the pledges made by God. Maybe we could introduce the character of people of faith this morning this way - they are those who LEANs into God's promises. They flop themselves upon them, they lean on God's promises right through their last breath. My friends, though we aren't perfect, if you are pursuing a life of faith (which happens to be the characteristic of all true believers), that pleases God and He's not ashamed of us. So as we go this week, let's commit for the first time, or simply afresh to be people of faith who lean on God's promises, live like pilgrims, and look for a homeland.

Speaker: Will Galkin - The book of Hebrews cab be read in about 45 minutes. Throughout the book, the reader encounters the tension of being exhorted to persevere in faith and be encouraged that God will faithfully preserve those that are His. The focus of the Christian's faith must be Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews reminds the reader that Jesus is better. He is better than the angles, Moses, and the high priestly system. He is the object and finisher of our faith. Hebrews chapter 11 showcases broken snits of old who demonstrate what a life of faith looks like. Last week we walked through the lives of Able, Enoch, and Noah. This week we begin a section that focuses on the Patriarchs specifically Abraham. These examples are given to Christians as a reminder to press on. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Speaker: Lukus Counterman - When the author of Hebrews opens chapter 11 with Able, Enoch, and Noah, those three characters would have been widely known amongst the audience. They would have been positive historical figures. It would have been like walking around and asking people to consider Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., or Nelson Mandela. Even if you don't know much about Mother Teresa, you know that she was a commendable woman. Well Able, Enoch, and Noah were commendable too. But on what basis did they receive their commendation? What we find is that it was on the basis of faith, that which starts the journey, carries on, and ultimately rescues the believer from judgement.

Speaker: Pastor Jon Kopp - This morning we are starting a new series in the book of Hebrews, and we are focusing our attention on Hebrews 11. For many who have grown up around Christianity, this chapter can have a tendency to float on its own as a museum of faithful people. It has been called many times, “the hall of fame of faith” - as if it is a catalog of inspiring stories from people who have gone before us. But, so much more is going on in Hebrews 11. As we come to this chapter, we aren’t simply looking for inspiration to face a particular trial or a particular temptation. We are looking deeply at a kind of faith that can face any and every trial and temptation with confidence and conviction about God and His Word— “a hope as an anchor for our souls - firm and secure.”

Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Just as the Gospel’s prologue in John 1 serves to “lift” the reader so that he may grasp the full significance of the person and work of Jesus, so the Gospel’s epilogue in John 21 serves to “land” the reader so that he may be guided in the newly established relation with God and mission of God. Having come to believe and know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and having received life in his name, what must the believer do? In our text this morning we learn that life in Christ is not the end, but rather the beginning of a mission wherein Christians are sent to be fishermen and shepherds. May our Lord teach us as we lovingly follow him.

Speaker: Lukus Counterman - C.S. Lewis in, A Grief Observed explained that you never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death! It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong as long as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice. Then, I guess we would find out if you really believe in its strength. Belief in the resurrection became a matter of life and death. Many disciples hung from that rope over a precipice, but never relinquished faith in resurrection truth. In the end, the strength and power of the resurrection built the church over the centuries. My friends, Jesus is alive just as he said. He is risen – he is risen indeed! May we learn about our living and loving Lord together this morning.